The exterior of the Mk8 has evolutionary design changes, with a new two-dimensional Volkswagen logo and more angular styling. At the rear there are new L-shaped taillights similar to those of the T-Roc. A more prominent downward arch at the nose contributes to a reduced drag coefficient; the Mk8's is compared to the Mk7's, giving a drag area of 0.61 m2. The dimensions are roughly the same as the Mk7, 29 mm longer and 10 mm narrower with no significant increase in wheelbase. The three-door hatchback has been discontinued, leaving the five-door hatchback as the only model available at launch, with a wagon likely coming later. In the United States, the only models confirmed are the GTI and the R, the latter of which has yet to be revealed.
Technology & Safety
The Mk8 features several technological advancements, including standard matrix LED headlights, an advanced head-up display, a shift by wire system on models with the dual-clutch gearbox, Alexa integration, and an NFC mobile key with compatible Samsung smartphones via eSIM. The interior receives a major overhaul, replacing the traditional analog instrument panel with an entirely digital 10.25" driver's display and either an 8.25" or 10" centre touchscreen for multimedia. Instead of physical buttons, a touch-sensitive panel houses controls for various functions, including the headlights and air conditioning/ventilation. The vehicle can also be upgraded with new functions after purchasing it, such as adaptive cruise control, WiFi hotspot, online-based voice control, Light Assist, navigation and Wireless App-Connect. Assistance systems Borrowed from the Passat, travel assist acts as a semi-autonomous driving system that can work at speeds of up to. Using the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems, the steering wheel has sensors that detect when the driver is touching it. If no input is detected for more than 15 seconds, the emergency braking system will automatically stop the car safely. Adaptive Cruise Control now uses predictive speed detection which automatically adjusts the speed by calculating the car's position based on route and GPS data; it simultaneously accesses the Dynamic Road Sign Display via the front camera. The front camera is additionally used for Front Assist in conjunction with the radar sensor to warn and brake in emergency situations using the City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring, enhanced by Cyclist Monitoring and swerve support and an oncoming vehicle while braking function. When turning left, the car automatically stops and triggers a warning in the case of an approaching vehicle in the same lane. The Mk8 is the first Volkswagen vehicle to have Car2X standard, where information can be exchanged with other cars and the traffic infrastructure within a radius of up to.
Engines
All internal combustion engines are turbocharged three- or four-cylinder units; engine options include petrol, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, diesel and natural gas powertrains. The previous e-Golf model is no longer available, as it was replaced by the ID.3. TSI Euro 6d TSI models sold in Compliant Countries consist of a 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine with or, and a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine with or. All engines with an output up to 130 PS feature the efficient TSI Miller combustion process and a variable-geometry turbocharger, and the 1.5 litre engines have temporary Active Cylinder Management. A compressed natural gas version of the 1.5 litre engine is also available as a TGI model. Euro 5 TSI models sold in Euro 5 Compliant Countries, such as Australia, will at launch feature one option, a 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine with. Unlike previous Golf's which featured a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox, this engine will be paired with a traditional 8-speed torque converter automatic. Due to the outdated regulations, Australian Golf's will not benefit from any of the significant improvements to fuel efficiency and emissions present in Euro 6d Compliant Engine models. eTSI eTSI models use the same engines as the TSI models with the addition of a mild-hybrid system and a powerful brake energy recuperation function, paired exclusively with the 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. The energy stored in the 48 V lithium-ion battery supplies the 12 V vehicle electrical system and drives the 48 V belt starter generator. The engines produce, or. eHybrid eHybrid models use a 1.4 litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid engine supplanted by a 13 kWhlithium ion battery, with a 6-speed DSG. The all-electric range is rated at about in EV mode. The engine produces or. TDI TDI models utilise a new twin dosing system featuring dual AdBlueselective catalytic reduction, which lowers nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80% compared to the Mk7. A 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel unit is used, producing or.
Golf GTE
The Golf GTE is a high-performance plug-in hybrid model. Producing, it has an all-electric range of about in EV mode, with a 13 kWh lithium ion battery supplementing the 1.4 litre TSI direct-injection petrol engine. The GTE, GTD and GTI have aggressive styling to distinguish them from less powerful Golf models. The grille has a blue accent, with an LED light strip positioned below. The front sports a large honeycomb grille with a black lower bumper trim, while the rear has a diffuser-style rear bumper. The roof spoiler is also exclusive, with wider side sill panels, larger wheels and red brake calipers. Inside, the sports seats, integrated headrests, starter button, sport steering wheel, shift knob, stainless-steel pedals and special interior fabrics are also unique. Additionally, a background exterior light is integrated within the grille.
Golf GTD
The Golf GTD is a high-performance turbodiesel model. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine producing and. The engine uses two selective catalytic reduction filters with dual AdBlue injection. The manual transmission is not offered, with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic being the only option. The suspension is shared with the GTI, having MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link system at the rear. 18-inch and 19-inch wheels will be available. Plaid upholstery is standard like on the GTI, but grey highlights are used rather than red; the steering wheel also has touch-sensitive multi-function controls. An electronic shift lever is used in place of the patterned shift knob found on the GTI.
The Golf GTI is a high-performance petrol model. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine producing and. The bodywork is nearly identical to the GTE, although the GTI receives exclusive wheels, the badging and grille accent are red, and the dual exhaust tips are on either side rather than both on the left. The new Vehicle Dynamics Manager allows for more adjustability of the adaptive suspension dampers, while an Individual setting joins the other driving modes. The suspension has also been retuned with a 15mm lower ride height. Inside, plaid upholstery is standard, with additional red accents on the seats and steering wheel. 17-inch wheels will be standard in Europe, with optional 18-inch and 19-inch wheels.
